#dud bolt

[sw5w]

Sebulba's Enforcer

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 00:59:28

[akkivee]

if we’re getting to use abilities in hypdream, my biggest hope is that they define what all dice’s speaker combinations can do like in the manga:

3 posse stars allows for all three of them to use a combined attack as pictured above

3 lightning bolts give an attack boost to dice

3$even gives the team 10x their power for an attack boost

2 sevens and a lightning bolt results in his speakers attacking his team, and maybe you can infer any miss will provide the same result

2 sevens and a posse star is typically a dud but there’s a 1/8192 chance of a reroll with that particular dud lol

and i’m so curious if there’s more and if they’ve implemented them LOL

[cultofdixon]

Let me help, sunshine

Daryl Dixon • She/Her Pronouns • Your anxiety toward your own self worth because of what’s happen to you, makes it hard to be a part of certain things. But he’s so in love with you that you never had to worry. • ANGST/SFW • TW: Injuries / Limping / Canon Violence

Requested by: Anon

It feels like a fever dream. The good.

Y/N stood outside the burning prison holding herself as she shook from the blasts that forced her out of the bed she almost died in. The force from the blast also knocked her on her side, resulting in injury…

She’s been limping trying to find another from her group, or really shelter for that matter.

This feels like the start of the outbreak all over again. Struggling to walk through the destroyed earth and being mistaken as the undead. One too many accidents happened because of such.

The Claimers found her alone before Daryl joined them, even before Rick killed one of their own. He didn’t know Y/N was a part of them because their paths never crossed, and then again Y/N wasn’t…free. She was controlled that entire time, even when Daryl ended up with them.

He was relieved to find her alive. Relieved on an astronomical level…but it wasn’t a happy reunion. The two of them…

Daryl tried to check on her when he first saw she was with them. But this Len or Lenny guy blocked his way and glared at the archer.

“She’s been claimed, buddy”

The archer of course didn’t know what that meant but given her tense posture and the injuries that looked fresh, this group was one of the messed up ones. Or at least this guy that said such.

Their leader explained the rules. Whatever you see that you want, you say “claimed” then no one can do anything about it. Daryl instantly questioned why it was used on a person and was met with obvious looks that made his skin crawl.

“He won’t do nothin’ around us.” Joe laughs leading the way and the group started to walk.

Daryl wasn’t going to leave her and didn’t want to fight anyone in case they’d inflict anything on Y/N. Because little does she know…

When this group started to move and Y/N slowly faded into the back of the group, Daryl looked to the one who “claimed” her and given he wasn’t forcing her back beside him. He took that as his chance to talk to her in hopes no one notices.

But before he got a word in—-

“I’m glad you’re alive” Y/N whispers to Daryl as both felt that reassuring warmth grow in their chest, relieved that the other is still standing.

“Are you okay?” He whispers as she didn’t say a word but shook her head. She looks like a wreck. “You understand this claim nonsense?”

“I know if I just touched your arm, I will meet the short end of that stick”

Daryl wanted to help her given she seemed to be having trouble walking. But this situation with the Claimers only escalated.

This Len guy that claimed her, wanted to get rid of Daryl and decided to use their rules against him. Though it backfired on the guy and the leader in a way, preferred Daryl in their group. But when Len met the other end of a bolt…that brought up an uncomfortable situation.

“Can we claim what was his?” One of the Claimers stated and Daryl instantly stepped in front of Y/N covering her.

“Claimed.” He states and glared at those who even had the thought, which was most of them. Joe laughs a bit to himself and to Daryl’s eagerness.

“She’s yours, man. Even if she is kind of a dud” Joe continued to laugh and every fiber of Daryl’s being wanted to snap him in half, but given she doesn’t have to worry about any of them laying a hand on her. He could check their injuries at the next break they take.

But the next break happened in the middle of a road…where they were met with those who killed one of their own…that happened to be their family. Daryl did his best to intervene, even Y/N.

Then of course, violence was the only answer there.

It happened fast.

Rick taking out Joe, Michonne going after the Claimer keeping her down and the two going for the one on Carl. Daryl took out one of the Claimers on him as Y/N took down the other on the archer.

But the remaining Claimer knocked Y/N onto the ground, pinning her and the painful scream that ripped out of her when he applied all his weight on her already bad leg…triggered Daryl to full on football tackle this man off of Y/N and boy did he meet his maker.

Daryl went to check on Y/N but she wasn’t letting anyone touch her in the moment. He kept a respectable distance when they recuperated for the night and Y/N held onto herself for most of her avoiding eye contact from everybody. She was really wishing they didn’t lose the prison in that moment. Then she wouldn’t have succumbed to all the pain from the illness to her leg causing a lot of discomfort.

“Have you been with this group since the fall of the prison?” Michonne asked Y/N as she shook her head struggling to catch up to her pace when they walked to this ‘Terminus’ place. “Did you see anyone when you woke up? From the illness…”

“I heard Glenn, but I wasn’t quick enough to getting out. He wasn’t there anymore when I got out so there’s hope that he’s still alive”

“And knowing Maggie, she’s probably lookin’ for him” Michonne reassures whatever ounce of anxiety courses in Y/N’s mind when it came to the living status of their family.

Daryl glances back every once in a while to check on Y/N, making sure she was still behind them. She was getting slower and slower the more they walked endlessly.

And that only got worse after Terminus, and after the hospital…

The group was walking endlessly to a shelter that they have no idea exists. Everyone followed Rick’s lead and didn’t question it, but everyone was exhausted. Depressed. Mourning. It was just too much to deal with. Every break they took felt like it wasn’t enough and Y/N didn’t want to share anything on her mind when it came to her physical well-being. Meaning every thought of “just another five minutes” got shoved down and she found herself dragging her injured leg to avoid limping and stepping on it at times causing the sharp pain to radiate.

Her family took notice of the times she end up in the back and those who didn’t want to face the pain they endured mentally, they would stick with her and talk about it. She couldn’t just walk away, not that she would either. It was difficult to push her pain aside, literally.

“Why is he always looking back here…” Y/N whispers, catching Carol’s attention to look ahead noticing Daryl checking on them every now and then.

“You are always at the back. He’s checking on you. Making sure you’re still with us” Hm…

“It’s just…the deadpan look” Y/N shivered slightly a bit tense. “He’s a bit intimidating…and mysterious. But he’s kinda been like that always…just a bit more protective ever since reuniting…”

Carol may not know about what happened from the prison to terminus regarding her friends. But she knew why Daryl would be protective of Y/N.

The walking became rougher the more their group grew tired and dehydrated…Y/N started to think about staying behind. Because the stops didn’t last long but she found herself taking a while to get back up. Least her wounds weren’t bleeding anymore. The bruises lingered. Main thing being the limp and swelling…

Daryl couldn’t help the anxious feeling he got when the group started to pick back up after they had a break to look around their surroundings for food and water. He checked the group around him and then to the back…

No Y/N.

He didn’t want to rile anybody up and make everyone freak out, so he did his usual check around the group until he got to the back and once no one was looking he started to track back. It didn’t take long for him to find Y/N still sitting at the last spot they took a break at, she just thought it would be easier on them if she disappeared.

“Daryl…” Y/N frowns watching him kneel down to her noticing how bad her leg was and mentally beating himself up for not taking care of it sooner. A lot happened, there wasn’t a big enough window to take care of it. “You shouldn’t be here”

“Oh yeah? And you should?” His anger spilled into his tone with a hint of regret. “Why didn’t yea holler for anyone? Or me?”

“Thought it be easier…” Daryl gave her that same deadpan look that made Y/N now sigh because of the situation. “For me to just. Not hold y’all back”

“That ain’t right. Ain’t right one bit” Daryl scoffs trying to help Y/N up but she smacked his hands away for a moment. “Y/N.”

“Daryl just go. Seriously.” She frowns. “I don’t want to hold anyone back. That’s why I just told a few of y’all that I’ll catch up…”

“But you weren’t. And yea didn’t even tell me that. Since yea knew I would argue…well I’m gonna fucking argue” He sets his crossbow down turning himself around and patting his shoulders for her arms.

Y/N was confused. Confused as to why he cared so much. But she complied as she was too exhausted to try and defend her point in any way. What even was there to defend? She didn’t want to be the burden that she currently was and didn’t want to hold the group back. Daryl got that but every fiber of his being would scream if she wasn’t with them.

The retired sheriff gained suspicion when both Daryl and Y/N weren’t around him. But when he turned toward the back he saw the two. Daryl carried Y/N on his back as she had his crossbow on hers. He sighed a bit relieved before continuing further.

All this walking…made the suspicion thing of water magically appearing, very appealing.

“You think it’s poisoned?” Carol questions Rick as he shrugs, still not trusting it though.

“Someone is watching us”

“So we shouldn’t trust it” Sasha states watching Eugene instantly go for a bottle and the moment he opened it, Abraham smacked it out of his hand. “Seriously?”

“What?! Someone has to test it for poison”

“Should’ve been me” Y/N scoffs. “I doubt imma last much longer on this leg”

“Stop.” Daryl couldn’t help but be upset by such as he blocked her from going over to it. Even if she wasn’t going to.

Then a miracle happened, or a coincidence, whichever you believe in…when the rain started to pour. Few started to open the bottles, empty them and fill it with the rain. Others enjoyed the downpour…and those who’ve lost took it all in

Y/N still kept close to Daryl, this time for warmth but she felt uneasy…nothing changed with the physical feeling but something pained her chest as she looks up at Daryl noticing the sadness that radiated from his blank expression. She took a chance by gently interlocking her fingers with his as he instantly brought his attention to their hands before looking at her.

“I’m gonna be okay, Dixon. I have you”

Her words struck him down, while the rain actually made her fall down from slipping. A small laugh was shared even if that drew more worry from Daryl’s end.

The two have been close and the time from the Claimers to the barn being told about this new place that they could call home brought them closer. Now the group was being evaluated to be helpful around the community, they took their chances with it. With caution of course.

“How’s your leg?” Maggie asks Y/N once she got settled on the couch, after being told to stay out by both Daryl and Rick.

“The surgeon guy they have said I won’t lose it but I have to stop walking on it”

“And yea better listen” Daryl was quick to add bringing himself to the window behind the couch sticking close. Maggie let out a small laugh to his response but she knew he cared for Y/N.

It’s been a day and a half with being in this new community and Daryl kept to himself for the most part. Sticking outside on the porch of Carol’s on the side that connects to Rick’s. He would look in the window every now and then to check on Y/N making sure she stayed put. She slept for the most part given she didn’t let herself sleep when with the Claimers and during the illness she was afraid to. Finally not dealing with any threat she thought it would be okay and she was being taken care of so nothing to worry about.

Reg, Deanna’s husband, made his way over to the Grimes’ residence when most of them were out and Daryl instantly shot up from the porch when he got to the steps.

“Heard y’all had someone with a bum leg. Thought I’d bring these over” He states pointing out the crutches in hand. “We found them a while ago but knew Pete didn’t want your person using them immediately.”

“Thanks.”

“You gonna give them to…?”

“Y/N.” Daryl brought himself to the Grimes side and took the crutches as Reg smiles in his direction when he didn’t return it back. “Her name is Y/N”

“She’s important to yea, huh? I can tell” Reg smiles with a laugh followed as Daryl felt a twitch of a smile that he did his best to hide.

“I uh. Better get these to her…”

“If you ever need anything, don’t be afraid to ask” Reg adds while taking his leave as Daryl watches him go to make sure he was gone before going inside the house.

The man always manages to sneak up on everybody, but to his surprise Y/N wasn’t asleep and gave him a smile the second he walked in.

“You shower yet?” She smirks listening to him scoff instantly. “Carol made me ask next time you came in to check in on me”

“You know I’ve been checking on yea?”

“You are sneaky, but not that sneaky” Y/N smiles bringing her legs off the couch patting the space next to her. Daryl approached at first because of the discomfort that grew on her face when she moved her leg, but then sat with her when she relaxed once more. “Those for me?”

“Nah they’re for me” Daryl jokes, a bad one, but it got a small laugh from Y/N. “The swelling down?”

“Yes. Not completely but enough to move around I guess…” She carefully brought her leg onto the coffee table showing Daryl as his worry poured out of him but in his own way. His eyes said everything. “Daryl, can I ask you something?”

“Mhm”

“Why…why were you so upset when I told you to leave me behind? I didn’t…if this place never came, I wouldn’t have wanted to be a burden to you all”

“And I can’t live in a world without you” Daryl without any hesitation admits a hidden feeling that Y/N, of course, didn’t connect that at all by everything he’s done. But it made sense…

“Daryl…”

“I wanted to go back in, when that son of a bitch attacked the prison…but Beth dragged me out. Tellin’ me you’re still alive. I believed her, but I was angry” Daryl frowns keeping his eyes onto his hands as he messes with a loose thread at the hem of his shirt. “I would’ve been angry forever if I let yea die in there…then those fuckers had yea. Hurt yea…and thank fuck they met their end, for ever laying a hand on you. But it just got worse and you were hurting the entire time that I just. I just needed to control one thing just for a moment…to keep you around…so I’d understand if yea don’t feel the same way or anythin’. But I’ll always do my best to keep yea around. For everybody, for myself, and for you.”

The immediate silence gave mixed signals to Daryl but before he could even have the thought of getting up and giving her space. Y/N gently brought her hand to his, letting him carefully take hers.

“I know you’re serious about your feelings…Im a bit…taken back…because I’ve never been a first choice or whatever. I’m not the best at explaining my feelings”

“Neither am I” His thumb rubs circles against her hand feeling her squeeze his hand while a soft giggle escapes her lips.

“Yeah, but at least you said something” Y/N smiles warmly. “Because let’s be real. Rick or Carol or Maggie—-literally anyone in our group. Would’ve probably had to lock us in a room together to get one of us to say something…if my anxiety of being locked in places didn’t kick in” he hums for a quick response taking in her words.

“I thought I scared yea. That’s why I didn’t say nothin’ sooner”

“Mm. You are intimidating, but I was more afraid of being rejected more than anything”

“So…”

“It’s mutual, Dixon” Y/N continues to smile leaning into his space pressing her lips against his cheek as his eyes closed to impact, and he found himself leaning toward her when she pulled away. “We’ll take it slow, Daryl. But to reassure you…I’m yours and no one will change my mind”

Daryl exhales finally letting that weight of possible rejection go as he turned entirely toward her releasing her hand and gently brushing the loose hair out of the way of her beautiful face. Admiring every feature for a moment.

“Will you let me finally help yea, sunshine?”

And so she did.

It took a few days to get used to walking without the help of crutches or her family hovering whenever they got the chance. Y/N was given a pantry job like Olivia which made it easier for Rick’s plans and Daryl got close with Aaron so he’s been planning a run with him while also building a bike. Which lifted his spirits when in this place, beside her of course.

“Hey!”

Daryl quickly turns to the voice after turning his bike on and tried to fight back the smile that succeeded in shinning through when Y/N made her way over to him without too much of a struggle.

“Hey…how’re yea feelin’?”

“Better. Going on a test run?”

“Yeah, ain’t letting yea on it until I know it won’t fling yea off without me knowing”

“So considerate” She laughs followed by a smile. “Be safe. Can’t have you limping”

“Mhm. I will…and even if shit happened, I know I’ve got yea”

[julesthequirky]

Beautiful Trauma - A Soldier Boy Miniseries: Chapter 2

Beautiful Trauma

Pairings: F!Reader x Ben/Soldier Boy

Summary: The reader is the real widower of Ben/Soldier Boy and loved their life together before the incident. In 1983 she took Compound V, so she could be with Ben forever, but in 1984 her life crashes to the ground, and she’s stuck in a world without him. In 2022 a knock at the door changes her life, and when she’s told that Ben is alive she hopes that there can be a forever after all.

A/N: Reader has certain traditional gender values, that are antiquated today.

Chapter Warnings: Antiquated views, language, and mentions of domestic violence.

Chapter W/C: 2435

This work is unbeta’d so all mistakes are mine. If you like it, heart, and reblog it. All feedback is gold.

1984

The baby slept in the bedroom, and some random crap played on the radio – the busted tv still in its place – it never got replaced. The stubbed-out end of a blunt lay in an ashtray along with the others, its job complete in dosing you up. Trapped smoke lingered around the room with nowhere to escape, and you were dozing on the sofa after smoking enough to take out a whole football team.

The boot bashing in your door jerked you awake. Still high, you rubbed your eyes and watched Payback, minus Gunpowder, and Swatto, storm in.

“Jesus, fuck. Smells like a ganja farm in here.” Mindstorm commented, coughing and waving his hand to waft the smoke away.

Confused, mind foggy from the blunt, you continued to stare.

“Look at her. She doesn’t know what time of day it is.” Crimson Countess noted, walking around the apartment living area.

“She probably doesn’t even know we’re here,” Tessa said, and she and her brother laughed.

“I do.” You slurred.

Crimson Countess picked up a photograph of you and Ben on your wedding day. You were standing on tiptoe, kissing Ben on his cheek, and he looked handsome as ever in his Philly baseball shirt, with one arm hooked around your waist and the other in the pocket of his slacks. It had been taken outside the registrar’s office. She put it back with a curl to her lip.

“Disgusting.” She muttered.

You blinked, and she continued to loiter, mumbling under her breath about the photos on the mantle and the Soldier Boy memorabilia. Then she spun on her heel, marched to the closed door where your daughter slept, and ripped it from its hinges.

“Mindstorm, do your worst.”

Instinct kicked in, if a little too slowly, and you flew off the couch only to topple to the floor. Stumbling, head-fogged, you attempted to barge through the TNT and Mindstorm barricade.

You shoved Mindstorm to one side, but the TNT duo pushed you back.

“I don’t understand.” Mindstorm muttered as you fell on your ass.

“TNT! Detonate!” Tommy and Tessa yelled in unison and joined hands. Then, they each held a hand up, aiming at you.

Your eyes widened. Shit. In your stoned-out state, you froze and waited for the electric bolt that would surely come your way. You squeezed your eyes shut, expecting the inevitable. Nothing. No electric. And certainly, no nightmares.

“What the fuck!” Tommy and Tessa screeched.

“Nothing’s happening.” Mindstorm muttered.

You opened your eyes. Mindstorm and TNT were staring at you, trying, but failing to use their powers against you.

“I can’t hear her. It’s so quiet….”

You didn’t understand. Compound V had been a dud. You hadn’t gained any powers – not even the most common – super strength. You’d sobbed on Ben, and he had comforted you as best as he could. Compound V had meant to be the way forward – it had meant forever with Ben. And the lack of powers had destroyed that. But here you were, gasping in breaths with three members of Payback powerless in front of you.

“Crimson! We’ve got a problem!”

Crimson walked out with your daughter on her hip and a hand on the other. “What?”

“Our powers are useless.” Tessa said.

“Sweet peace…”

“Useless…” Crimson muttered and held out a hand. She smirked, and where a fireball typically erupted – nothing. Not even a wisp of smoke.

“The hell?” Crimson attempted another fireball, this time putting some effort into it. But still nothing.

You used the fact that three out of four were stumped to your advantage to grab your daughter from Crimson Countess. Then, still unsteady, you stumbled and fell into TNT.

“Don’t just stand there. Do something!”

Spurred on, Tommy yanked you up by the collar, but Tessa got excited. Her manic smile swam in your view as she clocked you in the jaw. Stars burst, and Tommy pushed you down. Unable to save yourself, your head bounced on the carpet, and in the distance, you heard their hyena cackles and Crimson’s throaty voice, “Vought sends their regards.”, before blacking out.

2022

Silence fell around the room as the information was revealed to them. Looks were exchanged that you weren’t privy to.

“What? That’s what you didn’t know about?”

The unkempt one cussed under his breath.

“Butcher, this just got a whole lot fuckin’ complicated.” The black man said. His tone warning.

“Nah. It’ll be fine, MM.” Butcher said, waving him off.

He then gave you a sly look. “Hang on, if you were wiv Soldier Boy back then, ‘ow come you ent snapped out of the cuffs?”

You tugged at the cuff attached to the table leg. “I would if I could.”

“But you’re a Supe.” Butcher stated.

You laughed bitterly. “I’m not a Supe.”

“Well, excuse my French lady, but you look fucking phenomenal for 70. Fuckin’ ‘ell, bo’le, what you got up and rinse that shit for all its worth.”

“The V didn’t work. I didn’t get powers,” It wasn’t entirely true, but some secrets were worth keeping to yourself. “Except for the no ageing thing. That’s it.”

Butcher sat with his hand on his chin, taking it in. Then, finally, he opened his mouth to speak, but the youngun beat him to the punch.

“Are you the one that keeps leaving flowers on Soldier Boy’s statue?”

You nodded. Every anniversary, Valentine’s, birthday, and Christmas. And sometimes whenever you felt like it. Ben’s statue embodied the only living resemblance that he had been alive in a world that continued to slip from your grasp. Sitting there and talking to him restored balance in your life.

“If you know that Vought are scummy fuckers, why ent you done anyfink about it?”

“Like what? Storm in there and demand my daughter back and for them to tell the truth? Yeah, that would work really well.”

Butcher held up his hands in surrender. “Alright, luv, don’t getchur knickers in a twist.”

“Those fuckers stole a baby. Mon Dieu...”

The Asian beside him rubbed her hand up and down the Frenchman’s back, comforting him.

“Somethings not sitting right,” MM started. He stood and paced the room. “Vought grabbed your child, and they didn’t kill you?”

“Why would they kill me? They got what they wanted. Taking my daughter sent the message plain and clear– that they can get away with anything.”

“But—”

“Oi, leave off, wouldja.”

MM tensed his jaw, his fists clenched, but he questioned you no more. Instead, he sat and glared at Butcher.

You turned your attention to the leader of the gang, Butcher. “Can I please go now?”

He shook his head. “Nah. Tell us where Crimson is first.”

You huffed, annoyed.

“I don’t know where she is.”

“The fuck you don’t. She was Soldier Boy’s public girlfriend, and I fink you hated her wiv ev’ry fiba of your being.”

Yeah, you hated her, but after they’d taken your daughter, you just didn’t give a shit about anything anymore. Waking up sober with Vought lawyers knocking on your door with papers to sign about your daughter’s “untimely death” put you into three decades’ deep depression.

“I lost everything. You think I’m gonna care about some washed-up, has-been cooze? Ben was Payback, and without him, those losers are nothing.”

“Tell us!”

“She’s a two-bit trailer trash whore! Now tell me where Ben is!”

*

The bastards left you handcuffed to the table leg as they searched for Crimson Countess. As they left, you heard MM to Butcher, “There’s something she’s not telling us. Something’s not adding up. Why would they leave her alive after sending…”. You strained to hear the rest, but they were too far away.

Stupid fucking cuffs. You screamed in frustration, eventually managing to snap the table leg and free yourself. The handcuff dangled from one wrist – that would have to wait. More important things were at stake. You threw a chair at the window of the door, smashing it. With another one, you swiped the window free of glass and escaped. Nothing would stop you from getting to Ben.

Ben was in America. And he wanted revenge. He deserved payback for what those fuckers did to him in Nicaragua. And you would be there right by his side, supporting him.

*

The car swerved as a boom went off. The glass in the windows disintegrated, and the earth shook. You saw a bright light erupt into the sky. What the fuck? Desperate to return in the right direction, you turned the steering wheel until it gave out as the car continued to hydroplane.

It spun out, and you conceded death as the car careened into a fence post. The airbag deployed, and you smacked into it. Dazed but otherwise alright, you left the car and ran to the explosion site.

The lactic acid burned in your chest and legs, but you kept running. Ben was your world; you’d been without him for so long.

“Hughie!”

Butcher’s cockney accent punctured the air nearby, and you almost knocked into the kid.

“Fuck!” He yelled, jumping out of the way as you came whizzing by. You heard the sound of a Geiger counter ticking for a split second.

An orange glow emitted from Cuntess’ trailer, and a figure stood amidst the wreckage. Your heart leapt, and you used the last ounce of adrenaline to run to him. He moved away from the burning trailer.

Hope bloomed. Your pride and joy. Your world. Your feet pounded the grass. Your heart hammered in your chest. You shouted his name, and Ben turned around, ready for the threat pursuing him, but when he saw you, he stood stock still, his shield dropped, hitting the grass with a clank.

Ben stumbled a few steps as you latched on, arms wrapped around him. He stunk of smoke, but you didn’t care. Overwhelmed, you stuffed your face into his chest and broke down. Never in a million years had you thought it possible. You’d dreamt of reuniting with Ben, but the sad reality began again when dawn’s light pushed through the crack in your curtains, and you awoke alone.

His hand threaded into your hair, his head dipped, and he pressed his lips to yours.

“I’ve missed you so much, woman.” Ben breathed you in, taking slow and steady breaths, recounting for all the lost time.

The off-kilter angle of your world started to adjust itself, and you felt whole. Complete. You had your man. Now you just had to find your daughter.

He tilted your chin up and wiped the tears away with gentle thumbs, softly telling you to hush.

Nearly forty years later and this man still managed to leave you breathless. He honestly was flawless. Dark hair, which flopped over, so inviting your hands itched to sink into. Green eyes so dazzling and pretty, along with sinfully plush lips that whispered lewd things in your ear and gave scalding kisses in the dead of night. The fuzz he sported brought his flawless, gorgeous look together.

“You’re giving me a real chubby looking at me like that.”

You matched your bedroom eyes with a come hither smile. “Let’s go find some hay to roll in, then.”

You couldn’t catch his words, but the searing look told you of his intentions for the night.

“Sorry to interrupt the reunion.” A certain Cockney accent butted in.

Ben’s eyes became cold and flinty, and his stance became protective. He bent and picked up his shield, stepping in front of you. Irritated, you sidestepped, noticing Butcher and Hughie. Ben gripped your arm and shoved you behind him again.

“Stay put, woman.” He demanded.

“Charmin’. If I talked to my missus that way, she’d give me a bloody nose.”

You couldn’t see, and his hand on your arm stopped you from moving. He had a nice back, but you were getting tired of looking at it, so you leaned over, but he yanked you back in place.

“Well, mine knows her place.”

You couldn’t see, but you were sure he wore a tight smile. Probably pissed that you were showing him up.

Being a good wife to Ben gave you pride. Keeping him happy made you happy. You had dinner ready for him as he came through the door, fetched him beers when he asked, and, importantly, made sure you looked pretty for him. It gave you a purpose, and having your daughter only expanded that.

At times he could be abrasive, but you attributed that to Payback and Vought. They demanded so much from him, and he gave what he could. Whenever he did snap, you snapped back, which let him know you weren’t gonna take any of his crap. Sometimes if you crossed a line, he would rebuke you with a swat to the cheek. But you were always ready and willing with your apology – between his legs, on your knees.

“Alright—” Butcher started.

“I’m in. Meet me tomorrow, and don’t forget the stuff.”

In? Tomorrow? Stuff? Ben dragged you away before you could ask. If Butcher and his team had spoken to Ben, you’d bet your bottom dollar that they’d conveniently forgotten about you.

“Ben, I know them. The English bastard falsely arrested me, and they hounded me for information on Cuntess.”

“I’ll deal with it.” He gruffly snapped.

This side of Ben was all business, and you knew better than to cross Ben like this. Getting on the wrong side warranted a visit to the hospital with a well-thought-out lie.

“Okay.”

A heavy hand laid on your heart. Ben could be harsh, but he had a heart of gold and meant well. Your happiness resided in him. If he wasn’t happy, then neither were you. You couldn’t let it disrupt your forever. But something would until she was found. It wasn’t fair for him not to know.

Ben reached a car. He popped the trunk and placed his shield in.

“You gonna get in, or are you gonna stand there looking gormless?”

“Ben. I need to tell you something.”

He turned to you, irritated. “What?”

You stalled, and he gave you that look, meaning he had no patience for your antics.

“Vought took Heather.”

The air stilled, and the tang of burnt metal filled your nostrils. Ben bared his teeth, and the roof edge creaked as it bent under his hands. His breaths came out fast, like a raging bull. You expected another explosion, but nothing.

“Ben?”

At your tentative question, he looked up, fixing you with an intense stare. “I’ll get those fuckers. Don’t you worry.”

And you knew he meant it.

Tags:

@spnfamily-j2

[reigenkills]

no Muerte x Reader? fine (thanos voice): i'll do it myself

ella enchanted + red riding hood reader, Death having a laugh

EDIT: PART TWO LMAO | PART THREE ��� | PART FOUR | PART FIVE | PART SIX | 7 | 8

EDIT EDIT: AO3 CROSSPOST

EDIT EDIT EDIT: WHOEVER WANTS TO BE ON A TAGLIST FOR THIS PLS PUT IN THE REPLIES

"I'm surprised you actually tried it."

You wince, instantly holding yourself still in the pose of dropping a match into a bowl full of spell ingredients. There is a fire burning in said bowl in front of you, but your shadow stretches ahead, looming over you, the summoning circle, and the stolen grimoire.

"It wasn't supposed to work," you say.

"It wouldn't have," says the thing casting the physics-bending shadow. "But I'm curious why you did it anyway when you knew it was a dud."

You eye the grimoire with a grimace, pride twinging in sympathy for the witch you'd stolen it from. She was a big-name witch too, real infamous in her circles. Of course you knew she was bullshit the second she started talking about being able to undo your curse, but some of her work is legit; and she might have tried to turn you into a toad, but you're slightly offended on her behalf.

There's a sniff (what? who just does that?) and then the shadow tilts its head. "Something's wrong with you."

"Isn't there with everyone?"

The shadow ignores you, instead stooping down - and a shot of fear bolts down your spine at the sudden wash of cold that hangs close to your back. There's that sniff again, and then, a voice right beside you says: "Oh, you're cursed."

Great. Rule number one of being a mercenary, never let your enemies smell blood. Or fear. Or uh, your curse, but apparently this guy can sniff that out somehow.

Then again, you should have expected this when you got roped into catching fucking Death.

It'll be a quick job, they said. Twenty minutes tops after snatching the great Evil Witch's spellbook and finding the spell to trap Death. Nevermind the fact that every witch worth their broom calls themself an Evil Witch these days, of course, and you had to go through several hundred censuses to figure out which one was your mark.

And then there's the fact that you're supposed to be catching Death. Fucking hell.

"Curious," says Death. Honest-to-goodness Death. What the fuck. "If you knew it wasn't going to work, and if you're already headed my way with that curse, why go through with the spell?"

"Shouldn't you know?"

"I'm Death, not Knowledge," he says. "Trust me, you'd know the difference between me and that nerd any day."

To your mortification, you can't stop the godawful snicker that joke gets out of you. You slap a hand over your mouth to muffle the noise.

Death snorts. "Tell me."

"I was ordered to trap you," you automatically say, and then clench your teeth in frustration, frowning. This damnable curse of yours.

"Oh?" Death moves, smoothly gliding from behind you to your side; the movement instantly draws your attention to him and - oh shit.

"What red eyes you have," you whisper, freezing under the brightness of his stare. With his hood pulled over his head, they're about the only thing you can see of his face, save for his snout, and the rows of large, sharp, teeth.

"The better to see you with, my dear." Death grins. "Was that your curse?"

"What was?" You swallow. "I'm just not used to meeting new people, I'm a nervous blabber."

"Tell me the truth."

"Yes, it was," you say, and then make a noise of frustration, clenching your fists.

"Look at that." If it were possible, Death's grin widens, effectively baring his teeth not even two inches away from your face in the process. "Isn't that interesting?"

"It's really not."

"Oh, but it is," he says. "How'd you get it? Parents not pay off their debts when it was due? Throw a rock at a bird and anger its patron? Or did you cut out the middleman and piss off fae?"

Spitefully, you keep your mouth shut, teeth grinding together in the effort. Death only snickers, narrowing his eyes in amusement.

"I could always just ask you to tell me," he says. "I don't have to be polite to someone who was trying to trap me."

"I knew it wouldn't work."

"You tried it anyway," he says. "And if you're gonna blame it on your curse, then let me understand exactly how this works."

Your gums are starting to hurt from how hard your jaw is clenched. Your glare up at him as pettily as you can manage, but the motherfucker doesn't look away, doesn't even blink while you glower at him.

Fucking eldritch entities.

You sigh.

"I was…cursed," you say, then, amend: "Gifted by fae when I was a baby. The gift of obedience."

"Because?"

"...cause she thought it would be a nice gift," you grumble. "Except - you know - that's nice when you're like, five or something, but not when…" You make a haphazard gesture with your hand.

Death eyes you up and down, though his gaze lingers over your shoulder and above your head, like he's seeing something only he can sense. You try your best not to shrink under the intensity of his gaze.

After a while, he says, "Pat your head."

Your hand automatically flies up to pat your head.

The piece of shit has the gall to laugh.

"Asshole!" You get to your feet, kicking the bowl of still-burning summoning ingredients at him. Who gives a shit if it's Death. The ass just laughed at you after telling you to pat your head like a chump. Sadly, he barely has to pay attention to dodge the metal bowl as it flies past him.

"You had to run around looking for that witch and nearly get turned into a worm," Death says, "Because of a gift of obedience?"

He breaks into another round of cackles at that, all seven feet or so of him doubling over in laughter. Your hands twitch for one of the guns in your holster, but no matter how irritating he is, it's probably not a good idea to shoot Death.

"Very funny," you seethe.

"It is," Death says, "It's hilarious."

"Yeah, well, let's see you laughing when someone figures out they can tell me to try and kill you or whatever," you grit out. "I can't control it, you know."

"Mm. I'd just tell you to not do that, after you tire yourself out. Way more fun that way," he says, snickering.

He turns to where the remnants of the ingredients bowl have scattered, still burning away - because the magic might have been wrong, but it's still magic, so the damn things haven't burnt to ashes yet - and inclines his head down towards it. The flames instantly snuff out.

"Stop trying to trap me," he says, and you instantly feel the command contradict your last directive, strain against it, and break it down. Your limbs loosen; you unclench your jaw. "You should probably move continents or something. Far Far Away still has mercenaries."

"You're not gonna kill me?"

"I don't kill," Death snorts. "I collect. The affairs of the living aren't my concern - until they are, at least. Some kid getting their curse used against them hardly concerns me."

The wording has you narrowing your eyes at him again. "And my…employers?"

He grins again, and you wisely back off at the sight of his teeth. "That's up to me to decide, isn't it?"

"I guess," you say. "You need addresses or anything?"

"Nah," he says. "I'm Death, kid. I'm everywhere."

This time, you snort, crouching to pick up the grimoire on the floor and tuck it under your arm. If you're gonna move continents to a place where nobody knows your curse, you're gonna need way more leverage than you usually do. "You just said you weren't Knowledge - "

You blink as you straighten, finding yourself alone in the barren, empty room. There's no looming figure, no overly bright red eyes. Just you.

You were visited by Death and he didn't kill you. Laughed at your plight, yes, but you're alive and kicking.

Probably best not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Or a wolf in the maw. Whatever. You should start packing and getting the hell out of here.

[xamaxenta]

I’m typing straight smut in my living room damn it

Yes ofc aces dick is an ovipositor and the first time he lays an egg in Marco the poor man whites out three times. Even after waking up post to a super cuddly ace who actually whines when Marco makes him let him out of the nest it doesn’t quite click what happened because the eggs keep rolling over his sweet spot and he’s kinda hazy with pleasure.

Once he comes to however Marco panics. Like he does believe ace wouldn’t hurt him but everyone’s heard about face huggers and it’s kind of a hard fear to shake. Cue sabo grabbed to calm down a frantic Marco for a barrage of tests only for nothing to happen. Marco lays the eggs (very fun turns out would do again) and they’re inert. Both humans sigh and kinda laugh at themself, ofc it’s a dud ace is a warrior not a queen, and move on happy with the occasional egg session in the future. Everything stays the same.

UNTIL! Sabo gets the bright idea to fuck Marco while he’s still dripping with slime and pleasure dazed and it’s a great time but…. The eggs aren’t duds no more. It takes a frantic bolt to get ace on a ship and become pirates and figure out what to do next but the little xeno babies once born are shockingly cute little hybrids and Marco isn’t against having another.

what a rollercoaster oh no LMAO Sabo watching Marco full of eggies n alien cum like oh yeah i want in on that too bc hes a sloppy seconds guy u fuckung know he is any au for MAS he totally is

And then the eggs r no longer duds is so ominous and sexy

Ace becomes more active aggressive now that hes aware marco is an active carrier and thats when they have to make the decision to become space pirates bc ace has killed off everyone and manning a station this huge w finite resources isnt great so its time to send a distress signal

Another note Sabo would probably fuck a face hugger im just sayignbg the shape lol 😂🤧

[sometipsygnostalgic]

Legend of Zelda’s impact on other games

It’s a difficult question to figure out which Zelda games were most influential. 

I can tell you the LEAST influential. Despite having the most hands-on storytelling, Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword left very little impact on the genre, and while Wind Waker has aged much better and is the most beautiful game on the gamecube, back in 2003 it was impactful only in how people decided to make their games not look like it. Also, Zelda 2 plays like trash. Don’t touch it.  

However when you get to the heavy hitters, the original Zelda on the NES was the first known console videogame to ever implement Save Files. Can you imagine videogames without save files now? 

A Link to the PAst is an excellent demonstration of the capabilities of the SNES, and though I think Super Mario World is a lot more impactful, all future games were inspired by the dungeon layout and worldbuilding in Awakening.

Then there’s Ocarina of Time’s impact which cannot be understated because it is one of the first 3d adventure videogames. Considering the Nintendo 64 was vastly underpowered compared to the PS1 and to PC units, it’s funny how well Ocarina has aged, and how future Zelda titles struggled so hard to grab the hype of this game. 

Majora’s Mask, while not as memorable and without nearly as much development time, is an interesting example of a “timed” game, and I honestly think an entire genre has come out of it. A very niche genre, but still. I think, like Wind Waker, it’s grown on the audience over time.   

After the semi-duds of Windwaker, Twilight Princess, and Skyward Sword, as well as countless portable releases of mixed success, Breath of the Wild comes out. What makes Breath of the Wild unique is that it is a new spin on the open world genre, which Zelda initially popularised all those years ago and which Assassins Creed had blown into the modern era. After the market had been saturated by Ubisoft’s open world trash, it was a “breath” of fresh air.  

How impactful has it been? Well, honestly, I think Breath of the Wild marked a CRASH in open world videogames. Since that came out, very few developers are daring to tread on that territory anymore. Everyone realised they were sick and tired of open world games. If it’s not as good as Breath of the Wild, nobody wants to touch it. 

Now, Tears of the Kingdom? Hmm. I think, it will be remembered as one of the best games on the Switch, and mechanically it’s airtight, and it sells BUCKETS, but I think it’s actually a victim of its predecessor’s success. Because when Breath of the Wild put a bullet in the head of the open world genre, it makes Tears of the Kingdom feel very tiring to complete. What doesn’t help is the lack of discovery, we have already seen this map before. 

I wonder if future games will try to do the vehicle building mechanic here? It makes me think of Banjo and Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, except the game is universally loved instead of being seen as a trash derailment of the series. 

[whatwewrotepodcast]

Trouble in the Docks

               It was deep dark in Max’s garage, deep dark like cracking your shinbone on the edge of a table in the middle of the night, dark. Wasn’t quiet though, which was a good thing to cover my quick breathing and the scuffing of my boots. It was never quiet down the docks, not really. All hours of the day and night there was banging and clanging as people did their working and ships came in and out. There was a crooning too, a soft, crackly voice from one of them old school transistor radios. Real trendy to have stuff like that which pretends to be old analogue earth-side tech but really it’s not. I wouldn’t have figured old Max to be the type, but that just goes to show you never really know what’s in people’s inside parts.

               Upside of the lack of quiet was no one would hear me, probably. Downside was, I wouldn’t hear no one either. I had cracked the lock on the front door easy enough, squeezed under the roller door without having to push it too far up. I didn’t think Max would be in the garage this late, and with all the lights off, but couldn’t be too careful so I stayed in the dark as I creepied my way across the polished concrete floor. What a wanker. This shit was just asking to get covered in scratches. The shapes of ship parts loomed up around me like beasts out of story tales, and I could almost feel them breathing. Hard to tell what they were with it so dark though. I’d heard tell my buddy Max here had a real genuine portside plasma rifle in here. I didn’t have any real use for a flashy, shiny ass gun like that myself, but the thing could be sold for big credits on the black market. People liked to have a bit of artillery when they were heading into Wildspace. If I could get my hands on it, sit on it for a few cycles and offload it, I might be able to get the credits I needed for my jump drive. Maybe.

               Time was ticking on by and I still had no right idea where the rifle was, so I figured I’d better give myself some light. Pulled out my hand torch and covered the end with my palm as I flicked it on. Slowly pulled it away and let the little beam of light flick around the space. Heart was fair pounding in my ears, but I couldn’t hear anything. No sign of movement. Time to get moving. I’d need a gravlift to get the damn thing out of here as well. Thankfully I could see a pile of them stacked neatly near the door. Thanking the big star for Max being a gotdamned neat freak. I walked briskly through the garage, flicking my torch over the neatly stacked racks of tools, the labelled drawers of bolts and resistors. Getting nervous, thinking maybe it wasn’t here at all, my info had been dud but then – there! I spotted it resting against the wall. Perfect.

               Jogged back to the gravlifts and grabbed one of the smaller ones, tucking the control into my pocket. Back to the rifle. I put the gravlift on the ground and pulled out the control, flicking it on. Guided up to about halfway up the length of the rifle, just below where I judged the centre of gravity to be. Kept looking over my shoulder, my neck hairs prickling, but there was no one there. Just the scratchy old radio and the sound of my own breaths. I flicked the gravlift to hold, then grabbed the top of the rifle and pulled it down, letting the gravlift act as a fulcrum so I could tip it onto the platform. It wasn’t real heavy like, but big and unwieldly. Plus, couldn’t really be waltzing down the street with a hot plasma rifle under my arm. I grabbed a tarp and threw it over the top, tucking the edges in around the gun. Heart still racing like a two-penny girl in church, I guided the gravlift back towards the garage door. This was going to be the sketch part. If I was gonna get caught, it’d be now. I was gonna have to lift the roller up higher to get the rifle out – and roller doors weren’t renowned for their sneaky. But then I’d be home safe – just a four hundo stroll down the road and back into my own garage.

               I took a pause before the door, straining to hear a sound, but there was nothing. I scootched back under the door and checked the street was empty before squatting down and carefully, carefully lifting the door. Inch by inch, until it was high enough. I used the control to drop the gravlift down a smidge and scooted the rifle under the door. Slid through easy as a well-oiled piston. I quickly slid the door shut and started off down the street like I had all the time and nowhere to be. Kept my limbs loose and let the rifle trail along behind me. I was sweating like a lobster in a pot, but there wasn’t anyone else about. Five minutes later I was standing outside my own shop, fumbling my keys into the lock and kicking the roller up to the roof. I hurried the gravlift in and pulled the chain to bring the door closed. It was deep dark here too but I knew my way around this place like the freckles on my arm. The old one too, not the new one.

               I flicked on the light switch, revealing my chaotic workspace. I wasn’t quite as neat as Max was, but that was okay. I sure knew where everything was and I got the job done. Genuine clients didn’t give a shit if I had shiny floors. They know better than to think a flash garage gets their ships repaired any quicker. I sent the gravlift scooting over towards the back room, following along behind. I tucked the controller under my arm so I could open the flap on the underside of my cyber arm, and pulled out the cable that coiled around the metallic muscles. Plugged it into the door and waited a second while it processed the code, then the light flashed green and the door opened. It was pretty hectic security for a storeroom, but I didn’t trust folks hereabouts and I trusted the empire less. Especially when I was moving hot tech. It’d be a coupla cycles at least before I could sell the damn rifle, and I couldn’t have it sitting around the shop. All it would take is one snitch and old Max ‘The Redeemer’ would be knocking down my damn door. No thank you. I kicked the door open and drove the gravlift inside, parked it and tossed the control on top. The rest could wait.

               I backed out and locked the door behind me. I still felt jazzed and twitchy from my crime and I knew even though it was damn near morning I wouldn’t sleep. Instead I headed down into the dry dock, where the Aethon was waiting for me. I breathed a deep sigh from deep in my belly. She always brought me a feeling of calm inside, a peace feeling that I couldn’t find any other place. Not even fixing on other people’s ships. She had a magic – the magic of memories. It had been a long time, true like, since my rents had died and left me the rickety old shell of a broken down ship, and I’d gone to bed with a starving belly more than once to afford parts for her. But she was nearly finished now. All I needed was the jump drive and I’d be back out in the deep black, nothing around me but stars. Leaving Area 3 way back behind me, and all its shit. Maybe I’d go Wildspace, cut the empire’s claws right out of me. Truth being, I didn’t care much where I went. Just away from here. Somewhere I could be free of the stink of everything I’d suffered here.

               I walked along the bridge and climbed the stairs to her underbelly where all her soft parts were exposed. Twiddled a wire or two, tightened a bolt with my cyberarm but truth being she didn’t need it. She spent more time being worked on than flown, and she’d never gone far enough for things to get loose. One day though. If I could get a good price for that plasma rifle maybe I could find a jump somewhere. True hard to get your hands on, especially if you weren’t imperial. Had to find someone illegally junking a ship, or coming back off salvage. They were rare though, so the price was always sky high. There was always some other fancy cur with cash to burn and I never got a look in. But one day. I would get out of here or die trying. I wasn’t going to let my parent’s end, skint broke in this backwater hell, be where I washed up. There had to be a way. And I’d find it. Sure as breathing.

[lesbiankoby]

you know what i already went and wrote a fucking. issekai fic i can finish the self indulgence roulette and attempt to write IC mokuton sakura au. the particular plot bunny i’m sitting on revolves mostly around oc-ish mebuki and kizashi playing out a pastiche of “the americans” though they’re a duo of ex orochimaru lackies (originating from like, hot water or something) that hit a child murder breaking point during orochimaru’s phase 2 “annoyed tenzou survived and he missed it” mokuton experiments and stole what they believed to be a “dud” off of him (baby sakura) before faking their deaths and settling down as civilian refugees in a village where nobody knows their faces and the professors shadow looms large enough orochimaru might have spies but he’d be hard pressed to take extreme action even if he did figure out two of his lab techs aren’t actually dead (konoha). fake married to real-ish married arc.

…inventing the pseudonym “haruno sakura” wholesale is just very funny to me.

by the time they shrugged and let her enter the shinobi academy (while they hope she’s absorbed enough from them to prioritize herself over a village, they’re hardly going to stop her from learning how to fight) they genuinely assumed the mokuton experiment had been a failure— when they first decanted her and bolted she was very sickly and there was a genuine fear she wouldn’t even make it, but she pulled through. sakura is aware of her ‘childhood infirmity’ but has bounced back admirably. maybe even more then admirably! come to think of it, it’s sort of funny she skated through the academy without a single major injury— but she’s a bit (a lot) silly, so that might be the result of her never pushing herself too far during taijutsu lessons. nobody really thought about it.

[grigori77]

Critical Role, Campaign 3 Episode 88

Ah yeah, 9th Anniversary! Sweet ... hence the fancy duds! Cool ...

Wr don't need a skit, just let Taliesin cause Sam massive distractions ... oh, okay ... yeah, these fake Sam ads are always fun ... that one was ... unique ...

Plushie Sprinkle! OH MY GODS IT'S SO CUTE!!! :3

Ah yeah, cliffhanger resolution time! What's happening?

Okay, so have they been rumbled? Who is this? Does not sound good ... hmmmm ... gotta be careful with this ...

A "cute" growl? Hmmmm ...

Touch your friends with CONSENT, Letters ...

A SLITHERING sound? That can't be good ...

Travis' sleep paralysis demon is Laudna, apparently ...

I love how they're almost CASUALLY considering letting complete strangers suffocate in the Hole ... this group really are a bunch of murder hobos ...

Imogen: "We don't kill people!" Ashton : "We just power them down." FCG: "So they just go to sleep?" Ashton: "For a very long time, yes."

Hallucinatory Terrain? Sounds cool ... oh, ten minutes to cast? Yeah, maybe not ...

So they're coming now ...

A Battlemap? Just in case? Okay ... Sam's plug may not actually be necessary ...

Laudna-in-the-box ... XD

Pass Without A Trace is verbal composed? I agree, that IS counterintuitive ...

The porno play again? Really?

So they definitely ARE bad guys ... Unsettling Presence? Yup ...

They DOMESTICATED one of the freaky worms? Oh dear gods ...

Yeah, that's just LOVELY ... oh, it's BLIND! Great ... and it just KEEPS GETTING WORSE ... yeah, Travis is HATING IT ...

Time for D&D maths, guys ...

Laudna's Mission: Impossible dance of evasion ... XD

Sound like rocks, Ashton!

It has a freaky FLOATY ability? Weird ... crap, there's TWO MORE!!! Shit ...

Balls ... Imogen's BUSTED ... O.O

It's BITING HER HEAD?!!! Aaaaaaaah! Now it's CHEWING?!!! Fuck! Noooooo ...

How is Laudna not completely panicking right now? Seriously ...

An ANIMAL HANDLING check? Hmmm ... NAT20!!! Yes! This is a total fucking MIRACLE that this worked ...

Just get out of here, creature! Shoo!

Oh shit ... 7? That's such a bad roll, Laura ... it's just SO BAD right now ...

Shock Flare? Really? And now Inflict Wounds? Might be better ...

Laura: "TRAVIS, SHUT UP!!!" Maybe too late for that, now ...

Foll for Initiative? FUCK!!!

Matt's Peter Lorre impression is beautiful ... XD

Laudna convinces Fearne to turn into one of THESE things ... okay ... a Slither? Really? Ye gods ... Marisha thinks it's cute ... Travis: "Shit, WHAT?!!!"

Oh fuck yeah, they still can't see anything ...

FCG casts Guiding Bolt at 4th Level? At Disadvantage ... oof ... it still hits! Phew ... 23 damage! Yes!

More chewing! Argh! But Imogen's mental cries are oddly hilarious ... LOL

Yeet the faux slither! Fearne goes upstairs ... and now she's floating about up there ... she's getting SCRITCHES?!!! Really?

A bigger Battlemap? Hmmmm ...

Tremorsense, not Blimdsight ...

Oh, this is not good at all ... they're in a BAD SPOT right now ...

Marisha gets Whispers! Okay then ...

Stay quiet? RIGHT NOW?!!!

A deception check? As a worm? This is one of the most surreal battles we've had on this ...

Orym FEELS HIS WAY to the fight ... ye gods ... oh, here it is ... and ENGAGE!!! Stabby stabby stabby! A Goading attack! Sweet ... a lot oh hits ... and he IMMEDIATELY gets the HDYWTDT!!! Nice ...

She's free! Meanwhile Orym's puking ... Imogen tries to stop it and he vomits into her hand ... oof ...

Fake them out, Fearne!

It's working, she's leading them away! But NOW shat does she do?

Chetney starts to do a Crimson Rite ...

Yeah, everybody's just HOLDING right now, ready for whatever ... FCG can't heal Imogen because it makes noise ...

Lead them outside, Fearne! Come on ... this might actually work ...

Looks like it might be clear enough for now, at least ... Darkness dropped! Imogen is HURT ... not TOO bad but thos must be painful ... 2nd Level Cure Wounds from FCG ... 13 points of healing back! Phew ...

Yeah, how's Zhesh ... okay, not great ...

The Hole is turning into Mrs Miggens' pie shop cellar in Sweeney Todd ...

Can a slither SHRUG? XD Deception check ...

Crap, she's busted ... oh, no, they're just GOADING her ... now what? So she's just FAKING IT st someone else's door ...

They're burrowing! Okay Fearne, notes your chance! She flees to the others again ... or TRIES to ... yeah, she doesn't actually know WHERE she is so she just KEEPS GOING ...

Fearne is now LOST underground ... crap ...

This has become very surreal all of a sudden ...

Locate Creature? To guide her back? Yes, do that ...

FCG I'd trying to guide her back to them through some VERY ridiculous second hand directions ... and she's FINALLY back home them ...

"The Purple Lightning does not strike twice." Okay ...

Zhesh is fascinated by Ashton's hammer AND his skull ...

Oh ... a crystal blade replacement for FCG's saw? Cool ... that could be pretty sweet ...

They use the bones of their beloved dead in crafting things? That's cool in a creepy way ...

So the bane worms are basically like sandworms ...

A shortsword? Cool ... and it's blue ... that's very cute ... good choice, Orym ... oh yeah, that glow thing is a nice bonus, like a Ruidusborn detector ...

Druidcraft strawberries ... cute! :3

Laudna's giving Sashimi crystal bladed hands ... wow, that is EXTRA creepy ...

Short rest, then ...

Oh, the box? Aha! Yeah ... can they unlock it?

Ashton gets a ratty new makeshift glove ...

Chetney Claus returns ...

Orym takes his shirt off? Oh boy ... O.O

Fearne tries to use a long distance Dispel Magic on the box ...

Treshi scry ball ... still some distance away, at least ...

Zhesh makes FCG his own little crystal mood stone indicator on his chest ... oooh, AND he gets a new and improved sawblade ... that's pretty cool ... scary good ... snd it's LETHAL, too ...

Dusk has arrived ... time to go ... off to the Overspoke ...

Meanwhile opening the box ... and it works! Nice ... unlock it, then ... check for traps! Chetney is SCARY proficient at lockpicking ... and it's open! Here we go ...

An odd device ... hexagonal? No, you are JOKING, surely not ... oh no, more like something from the Malleus Key, but much more high quality ...

Eyes of yhe Rune Keeper? Okay ...

Abjuration magic ... cool ... Nat20, okay ... it's PART of something serious ... oh, it's designed to BREAK A SEAL ... it's Aeoran tech! Holy shit!

And NOW we're taking a break ... O.O

There's a 1 in 6 chance that the crystal blades SHATTER with each hit? Crap ... but in Imogen's proximity their properties are boosted ... cool ...

Arcana check for FCG ... BIG success ... okay ... even so, still really no more actual information on the piece in the box ...

Apparently Sam just discovered that FCG has acquired a black negligee from somewhere, but has NO RECOLLECTION where ... O.O

So back out into the street ... Vanguard gear on again ...

Keeping an eye on the scry ball as they go ... yeah, probably best ...

Group deception check ... it's good, not GREAT ... hmmm ...

Spiral stairs ... okay then ... but there are guards ... so what to do, then?

Chetney Claus sees you when you're doing THAT?!!!

Oh, so they could just BLUFF THEIR WAY up? Cool ... they think Imogen's her mother? Or just that she's automatically expected? Hmmmm ...

So is this actually working, then?

Aha, so here's Earot ... another deception check? 25? Bloody hell, Laura ...

Looking for a PURPLE house? With darkvision? Hmmmm ...

Borrowing Earot's spyglass ... and intimidating hom with her telekinesis ...

A Reiloran copy of Tusk Love ... which lost something in translation, apparently ... XD

Aha! Purple! Okay then ... so we have a destination, then ...

Off to find the Volition ...

Liliana is now FAMOUS on Ruidus ... hmmmm ... this could be useful OR problematic, depending on circumstances ...

Orym is now pretending to be Imogen's bodyguard to maintain an Illusion ...

Is that a Videodrome reference there, Matthew?

Pass Without A Trace! Go!

Fuck, yeah ... Ashton's still exhausted, we'd clearly forgotten about that ...

An excavation site? Okay, then ...

So ... is this a test? This IS the place, isn't it?

A persuasion check ... go Orym! Yeah ...

Oh, sneaky mind reading from Imogen ... now persuasion? 24! Okay ...

Meanwhile Chetney's fallen asleep ... on his FEET ...

Okay, looks like they passed the test ... so they're "friends of the Volition" ... okay ... Watcher Volido? Cool ...

Talk to Rashinna of the Golden Hammer? And Gaz Tomo? Hmmmm ...

A secret passage! Yay!

Apparently Orym is VERY SMALL ... O.O

Going in a pair at a time, losing the Vanguard outfits as they go ... and now they're in ... while Matt accidentally punches the mike and gives us all a heart attack!

In a tunnel, then ... going down ...

Oh, here we go ... how DO THEY prove they're friends of the Volition? Oh, the bodies? Really? The Juggernaut's head? Wow ...

So Rashinna will decide ... hmmm ...

A very weird wooden door ... so what's THAT about, Matthew?

So this guy's a Shrike? But blind ... that's interesting ... I like this guy, whoever he is ...

The door is ALIVE? Whoa ... they're ROOTS? Fascinating ... Chetney is rightly intrigued ...

Okay, so they're now SURROUNDED ... yeah, that's about right ...

They have their own Juggernauts? Bloody hell ...

Ah yes, this must be Rashinna ... oh yes, she us VERY impressive indeed ... oh, and she speaks OPENLY!!! Wow ...

True, Bells Hells STILL haven't picked a leader ... but Orym's picked Imogen, which is right ...

Imogen must make it clear she is NOT loyal to her mother ...

A persuasion check? Oh boy ... 27? Holy fuck, Laura!

Oh, so she believes her? Or rather believes that SHE believes that, at least ... maybe this'll work, then ...

Some kind of fancy magic mirror? Oh, so it's dome kind of ENTRANCE? Fascinating ... Holy shit, it's like the Goblin King's Labyrinth in there ...

Oh, so THIS is the real Kreviris? That is BEAUTIFUL ...

Gods, I love it when Matt gets enthusiastically carried away with his descriptions ...

A massive crystal core at the center of it all ... fascinating ...

Oh, that thing is the Weavemind itself? Wooooo ... and THAT I'd where Matt chooses to end it? Bloody hell ... cue massive indignation, ESPECIALLY from Ashley ... much as I would expect ...

[sw5w]

And Back Again, It's the Mighty Dud Bolt with That Incredible Racing Machine, the Vulptereen 327

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 00:56:13

[alteredsilicone]

Random facts about Voland the Nidus:

He has no transference bolt - it was removed after he was tossed out as a "dud".

All the maggots are a part of him that form his own unique hivemind, he can spy on people via them.

He does not use conventional weapons, instead manipulates his own body to create blades, and guns that shoot globs of infestation. He needs to consume living matter to build upon his infestation and manifesting the weapons depletes that living matter (his stacks).

He has unique healing abilities - he can mend other warframes but it takes away his own infested flesh. He can also use the parasitic link to attach himself to a non-warframe and sap their bio-matter. Technically he can send his own flesh to "heal" the person, but we all know what infestation does to a non-infested body.

That said - he can consume any biological matter (animals, plants) and use it to build his own infested flesh back. Animals work better than plants and humans work the best.

If he really wanted to, he could grow an extra pair of limbs or eyes and modify his body to his hearts content. However, he is quite attached to his humanity and prefers to be as close to a two-legs-two-arms-one-head-two-eyes-one-mouth configuration as possible.

He talks! Sounds like a chainsmoker and speaks slowly, however.

Has built a hardened, steel-enforced carapace after a bad explosion/fire accident. His right arm is made of Orokin-era gold and isn't affected by the infested growths the same way the rest of his body is. Still has claws sharp enough to cut throats.

[dothemacarena]

This morning I went to head to work but felt something wrong with my car before I got out of the driveway.

Flat Tire

Decide to just call in sick instead of borrowing roommates car or calling an uber because I have been wanting a mental health day and I can use the time to change the tire.

Now I know how to change a tire, but I have never done it fully myself. I have had my dad with me in the past. And I could get help from the aforementioned roommate, but I want to prove to myself that I am a strong independent woman who can change her own tire if it is ever needed on a road trip when I don't have a roommate handy.

Task 1: get the spare out of the trunk.

I have to remove a few things from my trunk (oil, wiper fluid, emergency blanket, jumpers, car powered air pump) but I get to the secret tire easy enough. Getting the tire out is a little harder then is supposed to be. There is supposed to be a rope wrapped around it that can be used to pull it out of the perfectly wheel sized hole but apparently whoever last put the spare in forgot it, but with a little work I get it out. Not too bad off to a good start.

Task 2: Get the stupid lug covers off.

I don't know if all cars have these but my car has these little plastic covers over the lugs that have to be removed before a tire iron can be used. (theft deterrent?) They have a little hole in the center where you stick a allen wrench or screw driver to pry them off. I spend way longer than I felt like it should take getting them off and I partially broke one in the process, but I have spares in the glove box.

Task 3: loosen the lugs.

This is the part that I always though would be the hardest, the think most likely to prevent me from changing my tire in the real world. I have a four way tire iron, and the spare came with another one, but my dad always said the four way ones were better so I put it on a lug. I stand on top of it, I jump up and down on it, I jump up and down on it more.

Nothing. Not a single inch of give. If I was on the side of a highway this would have to be when I give up either calling someone for a rescue or hopefully some friendly guy in a truck has pulled over to help me because I simply can't exert more force.

Luckily this did not happen on the highway it happened at home in our garage full of things. So plan #2 I climb up to the other half of our garage (which is usually up three steps but the steps broke so it is just one BIG step right now) I look for a metal pipe for more leverage. None to be found. Lots of PVC, but I think the PVC will give out before the bolt turns. I grab a piece and try it anyway I get a good amount of bend in the PVC and stop there before I break it. PVC is a no go.

Plan #3 I climb back into the upper garage, return the PVC pipes and grab a big sledge hammer to try hitting the tire iron. I get a few good whacks in, but it doesn't seem to be working. It's a dud. I return the sledge hammer trying to think of a plan #4. I climb down from the upper garage and notice something I missed before a length of metal pipe hidden amongst the big exercise equipment that never gets used this could be it!

Plan #4 the pipe is kinda rusty , pretty thin metal, and it doesn't fit on the tire iron, but luckily it does fit on the other tire iron 🎉. I slide it on and get to work. It is still hard. I still have to stand and jump on it, and it makes several disconcerting noises and cracks as I go (it is thin rusty metal after all) but I do it I get them loosened enough that I can turn them each without using the pipe extension or jumping. Plan 4 succeeds and I mentally note to buy a length of pipe for my trunk.

Task 4: Jack shit up

I have the jack that came with my vehicle/spare and it has a little sticker on it showing how to position it. I put it in place, put on the crank and crank it up. It is a little tedious and tiring but not to bad. Now that the really hard physical part is done and the less physically taxing possibly complicated step is complete it should be smooth sailing.

Task 5: Remove the lugs

Since I loosened all of the lugs pretty far earlier this goes fairly quick and easy, though my fingers are starting to ache. (it doesn't help that I went rock climbing last night). I get the lugs all off and in a pile for later.

Task 6: Removing the wheel

This by all means should be the easiest part. Everything that holds the wheel on has already been removed. I pull the tire. It doesn't budge. I re-grip and pull from a different spot. Still nothing. Maybe if i pull from the rim. Nope. I am getting frustrated at this point. I kick the tire and rim several times from different angles. Still on.

I go inside to eat lunch and try to look up if there is something I'm missing. Wiki-how says if the wheel is stubborn to hit around the rim with a rubber mallet. After eating I grab one and go whack it. I repeat several cycles of hitting it with the mallet, kicking it, and trying to pull it off. I am making no progress. I climb into the upper garage again and grab some WD-40. I spray it where the lugs used to be. I wait a few minutes and repeat a few more cycles of hitting with the mallet and kicking and pulling. I have now spent almost as much time trying to remove the wheel that is not attached as I spent loosening the lugs.

Stage 7: Acceptance

I give up. My will is strong, but my body is less so. I go inside back to my computer leaving the car jacked and the lugs off. My roommate is in the middle of a long conference call and will be busy until later, but once it is done he will help me. I must accept that in this I cannot be a strong independent woman who don't need no man.

How lucky then to live in a world where I know kind men that will help.

I write a tumblr post while my roommate finishes up work for the day.

[calierthewolf]

The two dead BB-8s (left is a total dud that never shows up over bluetooth, other isn't as broken but has Dead Battery Disease (no longer holds a charge)

D2 and BB-9E

Ollie (darkside)

Ollie (normal, sorry for the fucked up photo)

2.0 (also has Dead Battery Disease)

BOLT and Mini (+ their shells)

ooooh neat

[kylesvariouslistsandstuff]

Ever-Changing Disney & Pixar Slates From 2008 to about 2016...

I'll have this here for reference as well...

Preface: DreamWorks' next film is something we know next to nothing about, and the only films on their slate are a TROLLS threequel and KUNG FU PANDA 4. A movie called MEET THE GILLMANS, per a few reports and other clues, is supposed to open before TROLLS BAND TOGETHER does... The rest of DreamWorks' slate is sparse, despite the studio reportedly having a big plan in place... So why the skittishness to say what's coming out?

I think I know why...

Anything can happen with an animated movie... Even if it's *this* close to completion. The animated adaptation of Nate Stevenson's NIMONA got shut down - alongside the studio it was being made at, Blue Sky - in February 2021 despite being 75% complete, but luckily it was revived at another studio (Annapurna) and will be completed and released this year. Henry Selick's THE SHADOW KING was maybe halfway done when Disney pulled the plug on it in mid-2012. DreamWorks halted in-production movies like ME AND MY SHADOW (shadows have bad luck in animation picture business, don't they?) and LARRIKINS. Disney threw out a 2D/CG picture with a lot of working titles, one of which was A FEW GOOD GHOSTS, despite the amount of work done on it.

The list is even longer, so I wanted to re-chronicle a weird history of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar on here... In an age where long-term slates being laid down is commonplace.

We'll start at April of 2008...

I remember seeing this slate back in the day and thinking, "Wow, this is massive." This predated Marvel releasing gargantuan half-decade plans for interconnected movies... This was a long-term plan spanning four years from both Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. This was a little after The Walt Disney Company's historic acquisition of Pixar in early 2006, and the subsequent installation of Pixar stalwarts John Lasseter and Ed Catmull as heads of a revitalized WDAS. Perhaps after the release of MEET THE ROBINSONS and RATATOUILLE in 2007, there was a newfound confidence in both studios.

WDAS had gone through a rough period in the early 2000s, where films either lost money due to various circumstances (THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE) or didn't get great critical reception (BROTHER BEAR)... Sometimes both. (ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE, HOME ON THE RANGE) MEET THE ROBINSONS got mixed-to-positive reception at best, and did flop at the box office. The film had cost around $100m to make, and failed to double that worldwide. It was indeed dumped by the marketing department and heads, for it was perceived as more of a band-aid ripping than the first in a line of new-fangled WDAS movies sure to win back the critical acclaim and box office glory they once possessed in the early '90s. No, that distinction would go to BOLT, as it's often pointed to as the first of the "Revival" features, or at least the first of the Lasseter/Catmull pictures.

Anyways, that same year, RATATOUILLE became another Pixar blockbuster and seemed to prove that that Emeryville studio really could do no wrong. People doubted many of their films, each new Pixar movie seemed like their first flop. Michael Eisner infamously predicted FINDING NEMO would be a flop when he had seen a rough cut of the film around a year before its eventual release and subsequent record-breaking run at the box office. By the time you got to RATATOUILLE, people jeered that this movie starring a rat (gross! disgusting!) that wants to cook would be their first dud... But it wasn't, it defied the odds and it took home the Oscar on top of that.

So you could imagine that Disney was quite confident in their animation slate going forward, from both Pixar and WDAS... And so, they laid out a slate, in addition to the films already on the release boards... (Pixar highlighted in blue, WDAS in green)

WALL-E - 6/27/2008

BOLT - 11/26/2008

UP - 5/29/2009

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG - Christmas 2009

TOY STORY 3 - 6/18/2010

RAPUNZEL - Christmas 2010

NEWT - Summer 2011

THE BEAR AND THE BOW - Christmas 2011

CARS 2 - Summer 2012

KING OF THE ELVES - Christmas 2012

Wow... Back in 2008, that seemed like *a lot* of movies... And Pixar releasing *two films* in a calendar year? What is this sorcery??

For anyone not entirely in the loop here, THE BEAR AND THE BOW is the movie that eventually got re-named to BRAVE. KING OF THE ELVES was to be an adaptation of the Phillip K. Dick story, from BROTHER BEAR directors Aaron Blaise and the late Robert Walker.

Now, a slight adjustment was made to this slate by fall of 2008... CARS 2 had curiously traded places with NEWT, and was now opening a year earlier than expected.

Some time passes by, by mid-2009, THE BEAR AND THE BOW is now BRAVE...

A new project based on Winnie the Pooh fires up. The company has a very short-lived desire to do a full-on reboot of the franchise and get it up to speed, as it had been kinda lost in Pooh Corner for quite some time. Pigeonholed as a preschooler property more so than something to be enjoyed by the whole family... This very brief push for a brand new Winnie the Pooh results in a hand-drawn animated feature, landed in the lap of Disney Animation. It is hastily greenlit and fast-tracked for a 2011 release. WDAS now has a movie to release that year.

Then we get to the end of 2009... THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG is not the blockbuster it should've been. The first hand-drawn feature from the studio since 2004, this performance causes a very weird blowback to fairy tales within the company, in an era where they were very concerned about one single demographic... The 6-to-12 year-old boy. Keep in mind, this is the year Disney launched the channel Disney XD (replacing Toon Disney), a channel tailored to that group. Marvel was also purchased that year, too, meaning Disney-released Marvel Cinematic Universe movies that would appeal to those. Their verdict was that the movie having "Princess" in the title was what killed it, as it scared away that boy audience... Though if you ask me, PRINCESS AND THE FROG had far more outside problems going on that affected the movie than some random little Timmy not wanting to see a "girly movie".

So now, by early 2010, the mandate was... No more fairy tales, those are passe. And 2D was pretty much not coming back, either. WINNIE THE POOH was in production, yes, but it was dead on arrival. An adaptation of THE SNOW QUEEN was... Forgive the pun, *on ice*...

However, there was one movie that stood in the way... It was the next movie, too... RAPUNZEL... The movie was hastily re-titled to TANGLED, in an attempt to make it seem less "girly". I love that movie, but I always hated that title... But it's the one they went with for the domestic and UK releases. Many countries retained the RAPUNZEL title, albeit in other languages. (For example, in French, it's RAIPONCE.) TANGLED couldn't be cancelled, it was far too deep into production to have that happen to it... It was still on track for Thanksgiving of 2010. Elsewhere in the "Hat Building", KING OF THE ELVES is but dead, with Blaise and Walker having moved on to other things. WINNIE THE POOH was moved to the day the final HARRY POTTER movie was supposed to open, instead of a much more ideal early spring slot. (It was an April release in the UK and much of Europe.) Conspicuously, Pixar does not pull the plug on BRAVE, which itself is a fairy tale-inspired fantasy story with a princess in it...

Now around this time, a project called REBOOT RALPH was starting to make the rounds, and eventually it secured a release date of March 22, 2013. Why not fall 2012, where KING OF THE ELVES used to be? Well, that's because Pixar - out of nowhere - had announced that a MONSTERS, INC. 2 was in the works for a fall 2012 release... And that NEWT was outright cancelled, leaving the summer of 2012 to BRAVE. By the time TOY STORY 3 came to theaters, the slate now looked like this...

TANGLED - 11/24/2010

CARS 2 - 6/24/2011

WINNIE THE POOH - 7/15/2011

BRAVE - 6/22/2012

MONSTERS, INC. 2 - 11/2/2012 (or possibly the 16th)

REBOOT RALPH - 3/22/2013

We can see the "two Pixars a year, WDAS settles for the year after" pattern starting to take shape here...

Now we get to early 2011... MONSTERS, INC. 2 turns out to be a prequel titled MONSTERS UNIVERSITY, and REBOOT RALPH is retitled to WRECK-IT RALPH... RALPH is now a fall 2012 release, and MONSTERS U moves to summer 2013. No "two Pixars" in 2012...

TANGLED does well at the box office, proving that fairy tales aren't passe at all. At Disney Animation, THE SNOW QUEEN is put back in development, and according to the defunct insider blog Blue Sky Disney, it was put in a "production race" of sorts with KING OF THE ELVES, now under BOLT director Chris Williams. Both are competing to be the next WDAS film after the release of WRECK-IT RALPH because right around that time? There wasn't anything really else on the horizon that was in shape to go forward... Early work was being done on what would eventually become BIG HERO 6, pitches for movies that later became ZOOTOPIA and MOANA were just taking shape around this time. So it was either SNOW QUEEN or ELVES...

In August, at the inaugural D23 fan expo, Pixar announces two original movies with no titles... They are announced as THE UNTITLED PIXAR MOVIE ABOUT DINOSAURS and THE UNTITLED PIXAR MOVIE THAT TAKES YOU INSIDE THE MIND...

They are later slated for 11/27/2013 and 5/30/2014 respectively...

That is, until THE SNOW QUEEN - now baring the TANGLED-esque adjective title FROZEN - took the dinosaur movie's slot... So by the end of 2011, things looked a bit like this...

BRAVE - 6/22/2012

WRECK-IT RALPH - 11/2/2012

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY - 6/21/2013

FROZEN - 11/27/2013

UNTITLED PIXAR MOVIE ABOUT DINOSAURS - TBD

UNTITLED PIXAR / INSIDE THE MIND - TBD

Come CinemaCon, April 2012, things are cleared up about the dinosaur and mind movies... They have titles, aaaaand release dates...

BRAVE - 6/22/2012

WRECK-IT RALPH - 11/2/2012

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY - 6/21/2013

FROZEN - 11/27/2013

THE GOOD DINOSAUR - 5/30/2014

INSIDE OUT - 6/19/2015

Later in the year, two adjustments are made to this slate...

BRAVE - 6/22/2012

WRECK-IT RALPH - 11/2/2012

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY - 6/21/2013

FROZEN - 11/27/2013

THE GOOD DINOSAUR - 5/30/2014

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/7/2014

INSIDE OUT - 6/19/2015

UNTITLED PIXAR - 11/25/2015

Once again, Pixar trying to have two a year...

In April 2013, a FINDING NEMO sequel called FINDING DORY is officially confirmed to exist, and it takes the Thanksgiving 2015 slot... Also right around this time, Disney Animation confirms that their Marvel comic adaptation BIG HERO 6 is on the boards for fall 2014...

May 2013 is where things get big... This, I believe, is in response to how well WRECK-IT RALPH does for Disney Animation. The film manages to be the studio's second big hit after TANGLED, and that they were in good standing. With that, many more dates were locked for WDAS films in addition to Pixar films...

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY - 6/21/2013

FROZEN - 11/27/2013

THE GOOD DINOSAUR - 5/30/2014

BIG HERO 6 - 11/7/2014

INSIDE OUT - 6/19/2015

FINDING DORY - 11/25/2015

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 3/4/2016

UNTITLED PIXAR - 6/17/2016

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/23/2016

UNTITLED PIXAR - 6/16/2017

UNTITLED PIXAR - 11/22/2017

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 3/9/2018

UNTITLED PIXAR - 6/15/2018

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/21/2018

Talk about "eatin' good"... That was *five* whole years of new animated features to look forward to, and only folks who were in the trenches knew what was possibly coming out on those dates...

The next D23 Expo takes place, where ZOOTOPIA is revealed to the public for the first time. Later, Disney confirms that it'll be WDAS' March 2016 release. However, a little after an odd presentation... It is revealed that Pixar's THE GOOD DINOSAUR has hit a snag... The director was removed, and a month later, Pixar up and delayed the movie. THE GOOD DINOSAUR migrated to Thanksgiving 2015, kicking FINDING DORY to summer 2016... 2014 is the first year to be without a Pixar feature since 2005...

FROZEN - 11/27/2013

BIG HERO 6 - 11/7/2014

INSIDE OUT - 6/19/2015

THE GOOD DINOSAUR - 11/25/2015

ZOOTOPIA - 3/4/2016

FINDING DORY - 6/17/2016

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/23/2016

UNTITLED PIXAR - 6/16/2017

UNTITLED PIXAR - 11/22/2017

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 3/9/2018

UNTITLED PIXAR - 6/15/2018

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/21/2018

All is quiet for a little while... FROZEN erupts into a blockbuster phenomenon, but Disney remains mum on what's on the horizon beyond the spring 2016 release of ZOOTOPIA. Wisely so.

During an investor's call in March, CARS 3 and INCREDIBLES 2 are confirmed to exist, but are not given release dates.

In October, during another investor's call, TOY STORY 4 is revealed and has a release date: June 16, 2017.

On the Disney Animation front that same month, MOANA is confirmed to be the studio's fall 2016 release.

BIG HERO 6 - 11/7/2014

INSIDE OUT - 6/19/2015

THE GOOD DINOSAUR - 11/25/2015

ZOOTOPIA - 3/4/2016

FINDING DORY - 6/17/2016

MOANA - 11/23/2016

TOY STORY 4 - 6/16/2017

UNTITLED PIXAR - 11/22/2017

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 3/9/2018

UNTITLED PIXAR - 6/15/2018

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/21/2018

2015 means a new D23 Expo, and possibly a lot more information on what's coming from both studios...

But first, in March of 2015, Disney announces FROZEN II is happening. No date is set or implied.

At D23, COCO is revealed to be the Pixar's fall 2017 release. GIGANTIC, from Disney Animation, is announced but no release date is given. It is implied to be a spring 2018 release.

Then shortly thereafter, The Walt Disney Company announces a massive film slate encompassing all pictures - animated and live-action, Marvel and Lucasfilm...

CARS 3 is dated, taking TOY STORY 4's 6/16/2017 slot, TOY STORY 4 takes 6/15/2018. INCREDIBLES 2 is dated 6/21/2019, a WDAS film is slated for 11/27/2019... GIGANTIC is confirmed for spring 2018. Three 2020 animation releases are added, too. Wow! Two Pixars, one for 3/13/2020 and the other for 6/19/2020, and one WDAS, 11/25/2020...

THE GOOD DINOSAUR - 11/25/2015

ZOOTOPIA - 3/4/2016

FINDING DORY - 6/17/2016

MOANA - 11/23/2016

CARS 3 - 6/16/2017

COCO - 11/22/2017

GIGANTIC - 3/9/2018

TOY STORY 4 - 6/15/2018

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/21/2018

INCREDIBLES 2 - 6/21/2019

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/27/2019

UNTITLED PIXAR - 3/13/2020

UNTITLED PIXAR - 6/19/2020

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/25/2020

2016 comes about with a few updates...

A WRECK-IT RALPH sequel is confirmed to exist, and is slated for 3/9/2018. It pushes GIGANTIC to fall 2018.

TOY STORY 4 and INCREDIBLES 2 trade places...

By fall 2016, things are looking like this...

MOANA - 11/23/2016

CARS 3 - 6/16/2017

COCO - 11/22/2017

WRECK-IT RALPH 2 - 3/9/2018

INCREDIBLES 2 - 6/15/2018

GIGANTIC - 11/21/2018

TOY STORY 4 - 6/21/2019

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/27/2019

UNTITLED PIXAR - 3/13/2020

UNTITLED PIXAR - 6/19/2020

UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION - 11/25/2020

One last development I'll bring up is the cancellation of GIGANTIC in fall 2017, leaving March 2018 vacant. WRECK-IT RALPH sequel, titled RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2 (the subtitle was removed right before its release), takes the fall 2018 slot.

Other than that, very little changed... The slate played out the way it was supposed to. INCREDIBLES 2 came out summer 2018, with RALPH 2 following in the fall. TOY STORY 4 was summer 2019, FROZEN II was fall 2019. ONWARD was spring 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some adjustments were made to the slate... But it otherwise resembles what it looked like circa late 2017. SOUL went from summer 2020 Pixar release to Christmas Day streaming release. Fall 2020 WDAS title RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON had to move to March 2021 because of that, but then the slate remained the same... Pixar's LUCA was a summer 2021 release, with WDAS' ENCANTO following in the fall. 2022, this past year, two Pixars as planned: TURNING RED in the spring, LIGHTYEAR in the summer, and one WDAS in the fall, that was STRANGE WORLD.

Their slate now?

ELEMENTAL - 6/16/2023

WISH - 11/22/2023

ELIO - 3/1/2024

INSIDE OUT 2 - 6/14/2024

Only covers this year and next year... One WDAS movie, three Pixars... And a ton of Marvel movies laid out til 2026 and AVATAR sequels into 2028... Disney's taking it easy with announcing what's on the horizon with animation... DreamWorks is doing the same... Heck, Universal's animation slate alone goes up to about mid-2024 with Illumination's DESPICABLE ME 4. A Swiss Universal slate document has various animated films slated for fall 2025 and fall 2026, but no word on those dates here in the states...

Maybe there is a reason they, and specifically Disney, don't announce long-term slates anymore... NEWT and GIGANTIC alone tell one why...

Maybe next time, I'll do DreamWorks, though that's a major-league cluster-cuss of its own. Till next time, fellas!

[yeehaw-in-magic-space]

Session 7 Recap: Part 2/4

The Dining Car landed just outside of town. Geraldine, Prometheus, and thirty outlaws unloaded and prepared to march. Before anyone moved out, the captain ordered the Dining Car to take off towards the rising sun. Prometheus asked if they were stranded out here, but the captain insisted that the Dining Car would return. He informed them that it was headed to the outpost that the townsfolk had burned to pick up the crew that had gone to investigate it. Once reinforcements were gathered, it would be stationary until the town had been brought to its knees. 

The captain forced Geraldine and Prometheus to stand front and center with him as he led his soldiers into town. The second they were within view of the Cloaked Figure, her and Chuck made their first moves. Chuck fired the blood-scented bolt into the barn door, which brought the ghoul husks to life and compelled them to begin slamming against the door. The Cloaked Figure then immediately created a thick layer of ethereal smoke between her and the outlaws. 

The outlaws began moving forward and fired blindly into the smoke, hoping to hit the witch who seemed to be their only target. Prometheus began to plot his next move, but was interrupted by the captain’s own play. The captain turned and shot Prometheus twice without a moment’s hesitation or change in expression. Prometheus stopped and stared at the captain in what looked like disbelief, but turned out to be something far more aggressive.

Geraldine watched as every hole on the captain’s face began to bleed before he was thrown ten feet to the side as if he’d been shoved forward by someone very large. Prometheus then immediately fled into the building nearest to him: one of the large ranch houses that dominated the line of sight of the outlaw’s side of the battlefield. 

The captain seemed intent to pursue Prometheus, so Geraldine prepared for that possibility. First, she studied the captain’s face and determined that he seemed to feel no hostility towards her. It seemed likely that King Barley asked him to keep a close eye on Geraldine and determine her allegiance, but specifically ordered Prometheus dead after their confrontation at last night’s dinner.

Geraldine played into his expectations and stepped back in faux shock. She waited for the outlaws to advance across the battlefield, and for the captain to turn his back to her and enter the building. The second that he moved towards Prometheus’s hiding place she fired into his back, critically injuring the captain. 

In all this time, Dolly hadn’t moved an inch or taken any action. She prepared herself to dive down as far as she could into her shoddy foxhole and trigger the explosion, assuming that the trap worked. She believed this was her one opportunity to even the odds, and wasn’t willing to compromise that opportunity for anything. She looked across the field to Chuck, who lit the fuses that would activate the fake riflemen and lure the outlaws towards the larger ranch houses. 

At this point, Chuck looked into the window of the trapped building nearer to him and saw Prometheus limping towards the window. He opened the telekinetic channel between them and urged Prometheus to flee before the building exploded. A message that made Prometheus’s day that much worse as he looked for a safe exit with danger closing in on all sides. 

The Cloaked Figure focused all her energy on keeping the husks away from Chuck, Dolly, and the townsfolk so that they would be a threat to the outlaws rather than another log on their funeral pyres. 

The outlaws began to move towards the buildings where they heard rifles firing. Chuck had to wait for Prometheus to escape to detonate his, so the floor was Dolly’s. Dolly waited for the outlaws to enter the house, and then pressed down on her detonator. They had no idea what the explosive would do, but hers seemed to malfunction. She was expecting it to be a dud as she pressed down on it again and again, but it was quite the opposite. The device went off for maximum damage, with a two hundred and fifty foot blast radius. 

(jumping out of character to explain what happened with the crystal-bombs: basically, with each one that goes off they have to roll a luck check. A 2-5 means it’s a dud, a 6-10 means it goes off rather ineffectively, an 11-15 means it goes off about as expected, and a 16-20 means it went off beyond expectation for high damage and decent blast radius. A nat 1 meant it threatened every single person on the battlefield with total annihilation. This could have been really bad. It could have been the end of the party. But the dice chose their side, and it ended up providing a miracle to the heavily outnumbered party.

Every single person aligned with the party made a successful dex save, and anyone in a building/away from the windows got off with minimal damage. Everyone in the party made their saves and took half or quarter damage depending on the amount of shelter they had. Of the thirty outlaws, twenty one of them were within lethal range and failed their dexterity saving throws, leaving only eight outlaws and the captain to succeed.)